For every defending Wimbledon champion, there is one tradition that never loses its magic. Before a single point is played, before the roar of Centre Court reaches its crescendo, the reigning gentlemen's singles champion walks alone onto the immaculate grass to open The Championships. It is a privilege reserved for those who have conquered tennis's greatest stage, and one that reflects years of dedication, resilience and belief.
ROLEX TESTIMONEE CARLOS ALCARAZ IN ACTION ON CENTRE COURT AT THE CHAMPIONSHIPS, WIMBLEDON 2025
©Rolex/Jon Buckle
This year, that honour belonged to Rolex Testimonee Jannik Sinner. As the defending champion, he became the first Italian in history to open play on Centre Court, beginning his title defence at the tournament where he had fulfilled one of his greatest ambitions just a year earlier. Two weeks later, Sinner completed the story in fitting fashion, successfully defending his Wimbledon crown to capture his fifth Grand Slam® singles title. In doing so, he became only the 10th man in the Open Era to retain the gentlemen's singles title at The Championships, joining an illustrious group that includes fellow Rolex Testimonees Rod Laver, Björn Borg, and Roger Federer.
"For me, opening play on Centre Court will be a goosebumps moment," says Sinner. "The atmosphere on that court is unique, unlike anything else you experience on tennis courts around the world."
It is a tradition that Rolex has proudly witnessed since becoming Official Timekeeper of Wimbledon in 1978. Nearly five decades on, the Swiss watchmaker remains deeply intertwined with the tournament, celebrating not only victories, but the remarkable journeys that lead to them. Sinner's successful title defence in 2026 is the latest example of that enduring pursuit of excellence – a journey defined as much by resilience as by triumph.
Wimbledon has always stood apart. Steeped in history and rich with ritual, it represents the highest standard in tennis, where every detail matters. From the pristine grass courts and strict schedule to the precision demanded of every player, success is measured by consistency, composure and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
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A ROLEX CLOCK IN THE GROUNDS OF THE ALL ENGLAND LAWN TENNIS AND CROQUET CLUB
©Rolex/Jon Buckle
Those same values have long defined Rolex. The brand's relationship with tennis extends far beyond keeping time. It is built on recognising human achievement, celebrating the milestones, emotions and defining moments that shape an athlete's career. Every champion who lifts a Wimbledon trophy becomes part of a legacy forged through years of perseverance rather than a single match.
Many of the sport's greatest icons have shared that journey with Rolex. From the elegant serve-and-volley artistry of Stefan Edberg to the timeless brilliance of Roger Federer, generations of Rolex Testimonees have helped shape Wimbledon history.
In 2025, another chapter was written when Rolex Testimonee Iga Świątek claimed her maiden Wimbledon title. Long regarded as one of the game's dominant forces, Świątek's victory represented the culmination of years spent adapting her game to the unique demands of grass.
"Lifting the trophy was something beyond words because adapting my game to grass has been a long-term process. Knowing that Rolex has been such an integral part of Wimbledon's history makes my win even more special," she reflects.
It is this commitment to continuous improvement that resonates throughout the tournament. Every rally demands split-second judgement. Every shot requires precision. Every match can turn on the smallest of margins. In a sport where timing is everything, excellence is earned through relentless preparation.
Rolex's commitment to tennis today reaches well beyond Wimbledon. As Official Timekeeper of all four Grand Slam® tournaments, alongside partnerships with the ATP, WTA, Masters 1000 events, the Davis Cup Finals, Billie Jean King Cup Finals and Laver Cup, the brand continues to support the sport at every level.
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ROLEX TESTIMONEE AND 2025 WIMBLEDON GENTLEMEN’S SINGLES CHAMPION JANNIK SINNER
©Rolex/Jon Buckle
From established champions such as Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, Jannik Sinner and Iga Świątek to rising stars including Mirra Andreeva, João Fonseca, Ben Shelton and Victoria Mboko, Rolex celebrates those who continue to push the boundaries of performance.
This year's Championships added another memorable chapter to Wimbledon's history, with Jannik Sinner once again lifting the gentlemen's singles trophy after an outstanding title defence. As the tournament looks ahead to 2027, the reigning champion will once again have the honour of taking that unforgettable first walk onto Centre Court, beginning a new chapter in tennis’ greatest platform.
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